When the windows open a picturesque sea or mountain landscape, the night lights of a noisy city, a quiet park, it is unreasonable to hide this magnificent beauty behind heavy curtains. In addition, it is panoramic glazing that makes the apartment more expensive, respectable. But not in all cases, this option is winning. First you need to understand the design features and which balconies can be made panoramic.
In what cases are panoramic windows suitable for a balcony?
Specialists consider the panoramic balcony in Khrushchev to be the most successful, it will also be appropriate on narrow, elongated loggias - this will add space to the interior and become a significant source of light, from the outside this design will not look bulky and heavy. Large and wide loggias are appropriate to glaze from floor to ceiling in those cases when they face north or northeast, as the rooms often lack natural sunlight.
In any case, a panoramic balcony requires the installation of a double plastic profile, since aluminum does not retain heat as effectively as double insulated double-glazed windows.
When is it better to abandon the large windows on the balcony?
Psychologists say that some people feel more vulnerable when the whole room is open to prying eyes. Therefore, a panoramic balcony is not suitable if it adjoins the bedroom, the innermost room of the apartment.
The south or south-west side is also a contraindication - in summer the balcony will be very hot, filling with hot air and the adjoining room. In such African conditions it will be difficult to plant potted flowers on it, it is worth considering the cost of electricity to cool an overheated room.
A big risk is to install a panoramic balcony where strong winds often blow. At the very least, with the help of professionals, it is necessary to carefully calculate all the installation parameters and carry out all the necessary preparatory work.
It must be remembered that a panoramic balcony is not installed in apartments with ceilings below 2.8 meters.
What else do you need to keep in mind?
The most important part is to find a designer who knows how to work with panoramic glazing and has solid experience, there are few of them, so his work will cost a lot.
An equally important point is the correct legal registration of the installation of such a design: in the HOA you can get permission to combine the balcony and the room. But city architects may refuse a panoramic glazing of the balcony.
A substantial expense will be required to equip the balcony with a floor convector to prevent condensation. Maintaining glass paintings is difficult because they are most often located on the upper floors, and it’s almost impossible to reach hard to reach places outside, in which case the services of industrial climbers will be required, which is also not cheap.
It is necessary to consider the issue of security, especially if the panoramic balcony is in a private house or on lower floors. So that criminals could not enter the home, the glass should be reinforced, laminated or covered with a special metallized film.
The lower row of double-glazed windows should also be covered with tinting or reflective film to preserve the privacy of their lives and not allow outsiders to observe what is happening on the balcony and in the room.
Choosing glass is energy-saving - in winter cold it will retain heat inside, tinting will protect from annoyingly bright sunlight. Electrochromic glass allows you to adjust the transparency level as needed.
Since the double-glazed windows themselves, the frames, the entire installation as a whole are heavy, it is necessary to first strengthen the balcony slab, especially when it comes to “Stalin's” houses or Khrushchev.
Frameless glazing looks especially amazing, easy and unobtrusive, double-glazed windows are connected by a silicone layer, but in this case it is necessary to foresee the possibility of airing the room.
Advantages and disadvantages
In the photo, the panoramic balcony looks amazing, but you should get acquainted with the opinion of experts, as well as read the reviews of those who have already installed panoramic balconies. Pros and cons do not always lie on the surface.
What is this option good for?
Panoramic windows add luxury and respectability to the overall look, immediately declare the owner as a respectable person. This balcony will leave a lasting impression on guests.
Modern technologies allow huge windows not to yield to their classic counterparts in either reliability or high quality.
Even a small room will become much more spacious, brighter, filled with natural light, especially if the frameless type of glazing is selected.
Glasses do not give in to blows, do not crack, do not break and do not wring out, which ensures the peace of the homeowners - uninvited guests can not get through reinforced tempered glass with anti-vandal coating.
You can enjoy a beautiful view as much as you like with a cup of tea or coffee, you can equip a study or dining room - there are many options.
Underwater rocks
The abundance of ultraviolet radiation can significantly spoil the interior decoration or furniture, tinting or blackout curtains will solve this problem.
Heat losses can be significant, and condensation will lead to dampness and mold growth if the work is carried out poorly, the floor was not adequately insulated or the frameless type of glazing combined with an aluminum profile was selected.
A single piece of glass does not allow the room to be ventilated; moreover, it cannot be washed independently on the outside.
One cannot fail to note the high cost - the lower limit is at the level of 7–9 thousand rubles. per square meter, the upper bar depends on the capabilities and wishes.
Minimize heat loss
Here are some tips on how to insulate a panoramic balcony.
Since the lower part of the parapet is a continuation of the window, it is necessary to take heat conservation seriously. At the installation stage, it is necessary to carefully close all the cracks between the frame and the double-glazed windows, for this purpose sealant or polyurethane foam are suitable. From the inside, work is underway on thermal and waterproofing. Penofol cover a layer of insulation, extending the life of the insulating material. Seams are treated with aluminum tape. From the outside there should not be uneven joints or gaps, otherwise it will entail great difficulties when using the balcony in cold weather.
Panoramic balcony dictates its requirements for heating. You can’t install batteries and radiators here, so a warm floor is the most optimal solution. Infrared film, which is used to insulate the floor, is also suitable for insulating walls and ceilings.
These simple tricks as a result will provide warmth on the panoramic balcony.
To please the eye
It is nice to admire the breathtaking views again and again, overlooking the panoramic balcony. The design can be whatever you want - you can install a narrow window sill, if its presence is important and provides additional convenience. Usually it is not visible in the photo, but most often it is present.
Outside, the balcony can be lined with clapboard or covered with decorative plaster, inside the panoramic balcony trim is dictated by the overall design of the housing. You can make a room cozy and comfortable by painting walls, wallpapering, plastering adding a touch of sophistication - it all depends on the wishes of the owners of the balcony and their financial capabilities. A special atmosphere is created by flowers in flowerpots, a small table for leisurely tea parties or gatherings over a cup of coffee, a glass of wine.
To summarize
If it’s nevertheless decided that there should be a panoramic balcony, you should read the reviews of those who have already installed such glazing, and those who are engaged in their installation. But you need to remember that in this case, opinions are subjective, therefore, estimates can be different, but you can find a rational grain in the reviews.
Before starting work, it is necessary to legally resolve all issues with permissions in the HOA and with city architects.
The panoramic balcony should be entrusted only to trusted professionals, so as not to feel annoyed by the money thrown into the wind, not to freeze in winter and not to languish from the heat in summer. Also, at the stage of determining the price, it is worth knowing in advance what is included in the price (dismantling, cleaning, etc.).
Maintaining cleanliness on a panoramic balcony will require special efforts and financial costs.
For the psychological comfort of all households, it is worthwhile to find out in advance whether anyone has a fear of heights or if there is any discomfort from being close to nature.